So what is the best TV for gaming?

It’s more than image quality. Response time, refresh rate and preset modes can also change how you experience a game. Manufacturers purposely do a poor job of explaining what features and settings impact video game play.

Gaming requires a television that can quickly display fast action in response to input from the controller. Casual gamers may not notice delays resulting from picture processing. Serious gamers will be discouraged by a picture that is noticeably behind what they are doing with their hands.

To compensate for what gamers call input lag, some HDTVs come equipped with a game mode. Not to be confused with a game mode picture setting, this function will bypass some or all of the TV’s processing.

This gets the action performed on screen as soon as you press the button or move the stick. The best gaming TVs will also be able to allow parts of the image, such as the ‘heads up display’, to remain static for extended periods.

Let me help you cut through the bull and get down to what really matters.

Best Gaming TV Feature Checklist

Type: LCD HDTV

Screen Size: 50”+

Resolution: Minimum 1080p resolution

4K: Yes

LED Lighting: Back-lit

HDMI: Has enough HDMI ports

Composite: Has component inputs if you have Wii console

Refresh Rate: 120Hz+

Game Mode: Yes

Input Lag: Low

Questions To Ask To Find the Best Gaming TV

1

How Important is the resolution?

A higher resolution is linked to better image quality when purchasing a television. For gamers, resolution is not as important. Console games are usually render at a reduced resolution, then up-scaled by both the console and the television.

As a rule of thumb, gamers with current generation consoles, like Xbox One and PlayStation 4 can purchase the best 1080p display their budget allows. If you own an older console, you may want to stick with a 720p flat screen. The extreme up scaling required to display a PlayStation 2 game on a 1080p or 4K HDTV would destroy the image and the experience.

The Bottom Line:

New consoles purchase the best 1080p or 4k display your budget allows.

Older consoles can stay with a 720p display screen.

2

What is the Best Type of TV for Gaming?

Plasma TVs enjoy far better black levels and contrast than the majority of LCD TVs. For playing video games, these two metrics are more important than the resolution of your display or the console game’s native resolution. Unfortunately, plasma screens have significantly more inherent input lag than LCDs. This makes the plasma display less responsive for twitch gaming.

Plasma televisions display a more beautiful image, but if your doing a lot of gaming, there are better choices for TVs.

OLED is the newest HDTV technology. OLED televisions combine the benefits of Plasma and LCD. Like LCD sets, OLED sets are capable of delivering bright images, while maintaining the deep black levels of a Plasma screen. Because the technology is new, OLED sets are very expensive, and choices are limited.

At this time, we can’t recommend paying the premium for OLED screens. As time passes, your choices will increase and the price will fall, making OLED TVs a viable option.

For all these reasons, we recommend buying an LCD TV with an LED back light. Gamers typically sit close to the center of the screen. If the TV is mainly used for video games, the viewing angle shouldn’t be a deal breaker. It will only come into play when you’re with a group of friends around the TV.

The Bottom Line:

Plasma TVs are not the best choice for gaming.

OLED’s make excellent TVs for gamers, but not recommended at this time due to cost.

An LCD TV with LED back lights is recommended.

CurvedView considers a LCD LED Back-Lit HDTV is the best TV for gaming enthusiasts

What should I look for in an LCD TV?

First let’s look at the basic features needed to enhance your gaming experience.

1

How much connectivity?

Count the number of devices you will want to connect, and make sure your TV has that many HDMI ports as a minimum. One or two extra HDMI ports will be nice for future expansion. USB inputs and/or an SD card slot are nice for displaying photos, if that is an interest. You only need to worry about the analog ports if you have an older device to connect.

The Bottom Line:

Make sure you have enough HDMI ports.

For future expansion, one or two more HDMI ports are prefered.

2

Does it have a fast refresh rate?

Refresh rate is how often a TV changes the image (also known as a ‘frame’) on screen. With traditional televisions, this was 60 times each second, or ’60Hz’. Some modern TVs can refresh at much higher rates, most commonly 120Hz (120 frames per second) and 240Hz. Refresh rate reduces the blurring effects associated with motion. Different TV brands may refer to this feature by a different name.

Refresh rate can also increase motion lag since it adds processing to the image. However, for video game TVs, those added frames can help reduce stuttering and blur, and the action will be easier to track. I recommend a HDTV with at least a 120Hz refresh rate, if you play casually or watch movies on the same TV.

The Bottom Line:

Minimum 120Hz refresh rate is recommended to replace motion blur.

3

What type of local dimming?

This feature refers to the technology that changes the uniformity of the LED back lights. To explain it simply, local dimming can dim the area of the screen that needs it, while keeping the bright parts of the screen bright. You view a better image because of a higher contrast ratio.

Unfortunately, local dimming on LCD TVs with LED back lighting is rarely effective. Most LCD TVs have edge-lit LED back lights. Edge-lit LEDs have the lights surrounding the back of the panel. The main advantage is cost reduction, since they use fewer LEDs. The downside is they cannot control the back light with precision.

Back-lit LEDs have the lights directly behind the LCD flat panel. They provide better contrast, but are also more expensive to make. If your budget allows, we recommend an LCD TV with LED back lighting.

The Bottom Line:

An LCD TV with LED back lighting is best.

4

Does it have game mode?

Most modern televisions have a game mode that reduces input lag, but it comes at the cost of cutting out some form of processing. Reducing input lag means there’s less time between pressing a button on the console and the action appearing on the screen.

Generally, the reduction in process results in the overall quality of the picture being reduced. A good Game mode will turn off all the processing required to make Blu-ray movies look great yet still deliver a picture that is as close as possible to what your PC or console is outputting.

If you purchase a TV that has Game mode, try it out and see if the reduced lag time is more beneficial to you than the change in picture quality. If you don’t like it, you can reduce the lag time manually without using Game mode by turning off some of the features that unnecessarily affect picture quality, such as digital noise reduction and edge enhancement. However, if your goal is a responsive display, you will have to give up some eye candy for speed.

The Bottom Line:

Turn on Game mode, if available on your TV, to reduce input lag.

Turn down digital noise reduction and edge enhancement to reduce input lag if Game mode is not an option.

5

Does it have low input lag?

Input lag is the absolute bane of gaming. Lots of input lag means you’re at a disadvantage when you’re playing a fast game or one that requires precise input.

The goal is to find a TV with the lowest possible input lag. The fastest displays have an input lag of about 16 milliseconds, with the slowest exceeding 100 milliseconds. That’s a huge spread, with the latter making game play intolerable.

Manufacturers don’t typically report an input lag result in their standard specifications. You will have to rely on reviews or third-party test. Check out DisplayLag.com, a website that catalogs input lag results.

The Bottom Line:

The lower the input lag the better.

6

Is bigger really better?

When it comes to flat panel displays, bigger is definitely better. In fact, stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. More than any other features like Smart TVs, 3D, or 4K resolution.

I know some competitive players who prefer a smaller screen. They feel their reactions are quicker because they sit closer and have less surface area to decipher. Another benefit is smaller screens typically have less input lag.

A larger screen is often preferred, by those who play games with multiple views. They feel their eyes don’t work as hard, and they’re able to get a clear image of the different views at a quick glance. I recommend at least a 50-inch screen. The size of your HDTV screen should be determined by the space where you want to put the TV, your taste, and budget.

The Bottom Line:

Buying a bigger screen is the best use of your money.

At least a 50″ screen size is recommended.

3D is not required to have a good gaming TV

Extras beyond picture quality

I don’t consider any of these extras important or necessary for gaming only. On the other hand, few people only use a big screen solely for playing video games. If you are going to use your HDTV to watch television programs, the latest Blue-ray movies, or viewing live sports action, it’s worthwhile to know about the high tech extras.

1

What about 3D?

3D is waning in popularity in both the TV market and in gaming consoles. Lack of content is the problem. While the PlayStation 3 had a strong focus on 3D games, the same isn’t true on the newest generation of consoles. If you own a Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or Wii U, there isn’t much reason to buy a 3D TV.

Most owners never use the 3D feature. While every 3D TV is capable of playing 2D content, it is largely an unnecessary and expensive extra.

The Bottom Line:

Avoid 3D, it is an expensive and unnecessary expense.

2

How does 4K effect gaming experience?

With 4K, you can sit closer to a larger screen without experiencing pixilation. With the enhanced details, far-away objects and smaller text can be easier to recognize. 4K might improve your gaming experience and results.

Xbox One and PlayStation 4 do not presently offer Ultra HD content. In the future, both consoles are expected to support either disc-based or streaming Ultra HD (or both). If your budget allows, we recommend the 4K upgrade.

Your Guide To The Best TV Settings For Gaming

Now that you’ve selected the best TV for gaming that fits your budget, it’s time to fine tune the settings to get the very best out of your new set. No two sets of eyes will see things exactly the same way. Picture quality is a very subjective area.

The picture on your HDTV will look great out of the box, but you should make time to customize the setup of your new television.

There are three great reasons to do so.

First, making a few quick and easy adjustments can enhance the look of the screen image.

Second, once you set up your TV with an accurate picture mode it will normally use between 15 – 50% less energy. Lowering your brightness and contrast settings will not only reduce the amount of energy your TV uses, it will also reduce your electric bill.

Finally, a correct HDTV set up leads to a more comfortable viewing experience while avoiding eye strain.

Depending upon your expertise and desire for customization, you have 2 choices of customization available.

1

Factory Presets

How to enable ‘Game Mode’ on your HDTV

Game mode is an option that many manufacturers put into their HDTVs. When enabled, this preset disables certain image processing protocols. The less your TV has to work processing the image, the more responsive your controller.

How to enable ‘game mode’ varies by manufacturer. Some manufacturers require you to simply select the option in the settings menu. Others require you to change certain picture settings.

How to enable ‘game mode’ on the most common HDTV brands

Sony:

Sony HDTVs require your remote control to access the scene menu.

Find the button labeled ‘Scene’ on your remote and press it.

This will bring up a scene selection menu. Select ‘Game’ and it will enable ‘Game Mode’.

LG Electronics:

Enable ‘Game Mode’ by going into the picture menu.

‘Picture’ menu has an option called ‘Picture Mode’.

Select the option for ‘Game’ to enable it.

Samsung:

On most recently manufactured HDTVs, Samsung has provided a consistent method for enabling ‘Game Mode’.

Typically it involves navigating to ‘Setup’, and then selecting ‘General’.

Use your remote to select the option for ‘Game Mode’.

Sharp:

In the ‘Settings’ menu find ‘Picture Settings’.

Select ‘AV MODE’.

Select the option for ‘Game’.

Panasonic:

‘Game Mode’ can be enabled from the ‘Picture’ menu

Scroll between different modes until you find the ‘Game’ setting.

Select the ‘Game’ seeting to enable ‘Game Mode’.

If your TV doesn’t have ‘Game Mode’

Modern HDTVs include several preset factory picture settings modes. These modes have names like ‘Vivid’, ‘Movie’, ‘Dynamic’, ‘Pro’, or the basic ‘Standard’. Each preset has custom settings for the most common picture parameters: brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, etc.

Your first action should be to grab your TV remote and, one by one, select each video input that is connected to a source. For each, go into the picture adjustment menu and choose the picture preset that looks best.

‘Standard’ is often a good choice for regular (non-HD) broadcast, cable, and satellite programming

‘Movie’ mode gives higher-quality sources like Blu-ray discs, HDTV programs and DVDs a more natural look that’s closer to what you see in a movie theater

‘Dynamic’ or ‘Vivid’ mode is often the best preset for video game play

TVs come from the factory set up to stand out in a showroom. Choose a picture setting preset that’s better suited for your living room.

2

Minor Adjustments

Picture Tweaks

You can achieve a more custom tailored picture for your eyes, if you feel confident digging a little deeper into the picture setting menus. Here are some tips on how to get the most natural looking picture.

1

Brightness

The Brightness control changes the color and brightness of black within the picture. The factory default settings for brightness is usually set too high. Turn down the brightness control. Depending upon your eye preference, this will typically be between 10% to 25%.

2

Contrast

This setting controls the TV’s overall light level. Often labeled ‘Picture’, it is more accurately known as ‘white level’. Out of the box, the default setting is typically too high. Try turning it down around 50% of the maximum setting. Make sure the edges of bright white objects onscreen are crisp and not blurred.

3

Color

Usually labeled ‘Saturation’ or ‘Color’. Fortunately, factory presets for color are close to where they should be and require little adjustment.

4

Sharpness

More accurately called ‘artificial edge enhancement’. Sharpness generally only improves the look of lower quality signals like standard broadcast, cable, and satellite programs. Too high sharpness settings often create halos around the edges of objects onscreen.

Many DVD movies already have edge-enhancement added during mastering. You can usually turn sharpness down almost to zero for DVDs. Sharpness is not needed for most HDTV sources.

5

LED Dimming

If you have a full back-lit LED TV this should be set to low. If you have an edge-lit LED LCD TV this feature should be turned off.

6

Color Temperature

Color temperature should be set to ‘Warm’.

7

Color Gamut

If your TV has a color gamut option it should be set to Rec709 or BT709.

8

Color Gamma

If your TV has a gamma setting it should be set to 2.2 – 2.4.

9

Motion Enhancement

Motion Enhancement(Motion Plus/Motion Flow/TruMotion/Intelligent Frame Creation) creates extra frames in the content you are watching by calculating what should be between the existing frames. The created frames often contain errors like ghosting of objects in the picture. This feature should be turned off.

6

Picture Size

To make sure your new television settings aren’t cropping out the edges of your games, we need to check the TV’s ‘Picture Size’ settings. In the ‘Setting’ menu find the ‘Size’ option to change the aspect ratio of your picture. You should see options such as 16:9, 4:3, Zoom, H-Fill, and Just or Screen Fit. Choose ‘Just’ or ‘Screen Fit’. ‘Just’ performs a 1:1 pixel mapping of the HD content so all of the picture is displayed.

A best TV for gaming will always have input lag down to a minimum

Combating Lag

Next you’ll want to combat input lag. Modern HDTVs are packaged with a number of features which improve the image quality by reducing noise and smoothing motion. The side effect for gaming is the added image processing can create input lag. So, head back to your TV’s menu and find these options: Digital Noise Filter or Auto Motion Plus and turn them off.

1

Digital Noise Filter

Turn this option off

2

Auto Motion Plus

Turn this option off

Console specific settings

Finally I’ll add some specific settings for consoles that should help you get the best picture quality out of them.

Specific settings for major consoles

PlayStation

Use a HDMI connection.

Turn the Cross Color Reduction Filter off.

SET RGB Full Range to limited.

Set Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super White to ‘On’.

BD 1080P 24Hz Output to automatic.

Xbox

Use an HDMI cable connection.

In the ‘Display’ settings, set the reference levels to ‘Standard’ and the HDMI color space to ‘Source’.

Wii

Use the component cables.

Set the ‘Resolution’ to 480p.

How To Set Up Your TV For Gaming Checklist

Use HDMI

Brightness: turn down brightness 10% to 25%

Contrast: adjust to around 50%

Color: No adjustment usually

Sharpness: turn down almost to zero

LED Dimming: set to low for back-lit models and turn off for edge-lit models

Color: set to warm

Color Gamut: set to Rec709 or BT709

Color Gamma: set to 2.2 – 2.4

Motion Enhancement: Off

Picture Size: set to JUST

Digital Noise Filter: Off

Auto Motion Plus: Off

Conclusion

There you have it. It’s time to buy and set up your new gaming TV.

Give your eyes a few days to adjust to your new set. You are going to love your new and improved HDTV gaming display.

Do you have any tips for gamers who need a new television? Do you feel you have the best gaming TV already?

Think you can recommend the best TV for gaming? Any advise on how to correctly setup your gaming TV?

Be sure and tell us what you think and leave your advice in the comments below!

Hi, I’m David Clark, founder of CurvedView.com and you could say televisions are not only a personal passion but a career. My mission is to educate consumers and help each find the perfect HDTV and TV accessory, at the best price, for their personal viewing preference.

I would love to get one of the incredible OLED sets but they are still out of my price range. I’ve been looking thru the holidays for a deal, but haven’t found one low enough yet. Maybe on some left over units after the holidays.

First, you can simply enable ‘Dynamic Contrast’ to darken the blacks, if you don’t mind a slight loss in detail. Otherwise, if you want things to be a bit darker without negatively impacting picture, use gamma 2.4.

I don’t recommend taking any other steps, because you will experience too much degrading of the picture quality.